vietnam is a great country to travel in. i spent 1 month backpacking there in august 08. as i was travel on my own i cant give any advice on tour companies....however i would def recommend independent travel as you have more freedom. i arrived in ho chi minh (saigon) late on my first night not really having an idea where/what i wanted to see. if you are any way socialable you will have no problems meeting other people. remember there will be many solo backpackers all looking to meet travel partners. Most backpackers in vietnam either start in hanoi and travel south or start in saigon and travel north. as far as i know there is only 1 backpacker style hostel in each city ....yellow house in saigon and hanoi backpackers in hanoi. as there are dorms in these it will be easier to meet people. all most all other accomadation in vietnam will be just hotels/guesthouses.

as vietnam is very popular with backpackers the tourist bus service between towns and cities is very good. must see places and trips are

2/3 day trip on the mekong delta.....try book a homestay for 1 night ...depart from saigonday trip to the cu chi tunnels - depart from saigon

dalat - town in the mountains 3/4 hours north of saigon - a good base to go on an easy rider motor bike tour of the mountains/countryside

na trang - one of the best known beach resorts and party city

hoi an- one of my favourite places ive been in the world - fanastic relaxed old town famous for tailoring

halong bay - world heritage site 2 hours north of hanoi.....can look spectacular but is over touristy and can look polluted....you can book 3/5 day trips with overnight on a boat and overnight on cat ba island. be very careful who you book with....when we did this trip there was no organisation and we didnt get to do all we paid for....best advice is to ask people who have just done the trip who they recommend

sapa - mountain town in the north west of country not too far from chinese border.....great place to go on 2/3 day treks

in general vietnam is a very cheap country to travel in...... you can get decent rooms in guesthouses from $ 8 a night ......fantastic meals from $3/4 and bottles of beer from $1

It all depends on how much time you have and your interests. Most start in HaNoi or HCMC. Then head for the other city. This assumes you have the 2-3 weeks to travel the length of VN. If you only have a week or less, then you need to tell us where you arrive in VN. Your interests: hit the beach, visit the historic & cultural spots, get off the main track, motorcycle tour, diving, etc. Then members can help with your decision.

You basically have 3 choices of transport. You can fly the major legs if time is running short. Look at Jetstar Air and VN Airlines if thinking of flying inside VN. Take the train. Not a bad choice for overnight legs, say HaNoi to Hue. Safer, more comfortable than the open tour bus, more expensive. Or make use of the open tour bus system that runs between HAN &HCMC. Much cheaper than the train, more flexible scheduling, not as safe because of the road traffic in VN. I have used the open tour 5 times when in VN. I prefer the bus system, but I do admit it is not a s safe as train travel. Your choice.

I have heaps of VN photos in my gallery that may help with your decision. My blog covers my last trip to VN. Send me a PM if you have questions on VN. Good luck with your planning.

hi,vegamike is expert in Vietnam so he gave you alot of useful information but I just want to add some:First you should tell us how many days you want to travel?And your question is about What is MUST do in vietnam?you mean, everything action not just visit destination alone, right?I think you should visit Hanoi, capital of Vietnam because this year we will celebrate 1000 years anniversary.And then move to Halong Bay, world Heritage by UNESCO 2 times, and we are voting for world wonder.Sapa, romantic placeIf you still have time, you can visit Perfume Pagoda, Hoa Lu - Tam Coc.......If you need more information, please tell me.This information is about North of Vietnam

I doubt you will alone for long. You are bound to meet others heading the same way you are. You will able to hit each city with new friends you meet on the open tour bus. Then you can tour DaLat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, HaNoi with your new friends. Plus have others to dine with and then hit the nightspots. Don't worry, you will have a great time touring VN.